Comparison VSF 126610LN vs. GEN v2.0 (December 2023 Version)

[Watchguy369]

Hi folks!

This time @P..DR..D didn't force me, but I still feel like I can do something for this community again.
I bought and wore a post-2021 Raid VSF Sub almost exactly 2 years ago. At some point I did a review which you can read here:


Comparison: VSF vs Gen Rolex 126610LN (CLICK ME)


2 years later (now) I bought another 126610LN from VSF (the older one is no longer with me) and I will do a quick update on the same points I noted 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I no longer have a microscope, but I am now more convinced that life is more beautiful when you walk around without a microscope. Especially as a replica lover

So let's go straight to the hard facts:
(Watch with bezel centred is the replica)




Movement
I have always preferred the VS3235 to the VR3235, despite the known winding issues of the VS factory Peacock Movement. As a fan of details, this always bothered me, especially because I knew how little effort it would take to replace the faulty paper-thin component in the factory with a decent washer, but the VR was also just too sandy for me. When I got a VR3235 after the update they did with the 2 levers on the inside ( I got first hands on those movements mid 2022 I guess), I was surprised, it wound as smoothly as butter. So I switched to VR as my favorite movement.
Now on this model I got here, with the case serial Q66T4536 a silent update was made to the new VS3235, the winding issue is no longer present and the winding feeling is always perfect. For me this is the best upgrade from VSF compared to 2 years ago.

CG / Lugs / Crown
The crown guards are still a bit longer and the angle is a little different than Gen. The lugs are better than before and like Gen in my opinion.
Unfortunately, VSF still hasn't managed to adjust the shape of the crown. On the case side, the Gen crown is provided with an edge which creates a greater distance to the crown than on the replica. (Top Image is Gen, Bot image is Rep)



Bracelet / Clasp / Glidelock
There was no update here - still "perfect" and like the gen in functionality. It sounds a bit, so I will make ultrasonic clean and oil bath as I always do.
In terms of visual aspects, the crown/security clasp hole is not same size as you can see easy here (Gen left)



Bezel
For me, the inlay cannot be distinguished from the real one, the clicking is a little more metallic and is easier / with less force. Typical VSF click

Rehaut
Massive upgrade here too: The polishing quality borders on CLEAN, which has become known for the beautiful polished rehaut surfaces. Much better than 2 years ago

Crystal:
99.5% of Gen, here too in my opinion an upgrade to the already super good glass.

SEL
Not quite the full score here if you look with a magnifying glass, but that's how replicas are - not entirely consistent. And most SELs are worse than I would Glen.



Dial
Greetings to the magnifying glass wearers and nitpickers among you who are crying because of the pressure. VSF did a great job. 10/10


End result:

I can say that this is the best OOTB replica of this reference with the greatest strengths: the movement, the glass, the rehaut.
I hope I was able to give all of them a few sweet minutes with the review.

Greetings from Switzerland

 

[Kevstah]

Thank you for taking the time doing this, it confirmed my personal impressions that they indeed managed to improve it slightly. Very good watch and the pictures highlight your points perfectly.

 

[flashu]

Basically wearing this on your wrist is 99.9% safe to tell you are gen like, vsf still keeps the crown , pun intended, for being top rep ootb

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Watchguy369]

Sadly compared to gen the weight is (same linked) off:
I removed 1 Link, and gen is 156 versus rep 148 grams:/

 

[flashu]

I’m

Sadly compared to gen the weight is (same linked) off:
I removed 1 Link, and gen is 156 versus rep 148 grams:/

yes but this is not a “tell” per se, visually speaking

Noticed same weight off approx. 5-7 grams in vsf ss dj 41 compared to gen but wrist wise visually doesn’t matter

 

[rxdr]

Thank you for your time and the awesome write up

 

[diamonds]

As always, Beautiful review and Beautiful photos.

 

[Storm.]

Super review, thank you a lot

Now you can give me your gen and keep the vsf lol

 

[Silkyv9l]

Sadly compared to gen the weight is (same linked) off:
I removed 1 Link, and gen is 156 versus rep 148 grams:/

Awesome review.

Do you find the gen stainless bracelet have more structure than the VSF? Not sure exactly how to describe it, but ignoring the weight differences, do the connections between links on the VSF or bracelet overall seem less rigid?

Recently picked up a VSF 126610 and was blown away by the overall quality. Don't have a stainless gen to compare it to, but qualitatively the bracelet felt significantly less structured than a 126619LB and 116713LN. Apples to oranges comparison on my end just curious if you had any other bracelet observations.

 

[rockdaytona]

Hi folks!

This time @P..DR..D didn't force me, but I still feel like I can do something for this community again.
I bought and wore a post-2021 Raid VSF Sub almost exactly 2 years ago. At some point I did a review which you can read here:


Comparison: VSF vs Gen Rolex 126610LN (CLICK ME)


2 years later (now) I bought another 126610LN from VSF (the older one is no longer with me) and I will do a quick update on the same points I noted 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I no longer have a microscope, but I am now more convinced that life is more beautiful when you walk around without a microscope. Especially as a replica lover

So let's go straight to the hard facts:
(Watch with bezel centred is the replica)




Movement
I have always preferred the VS3235 to the VR3235, despite the known winding issues of the VS factory Peacock Movement. As a fan of details, this always bothered me, especially because I knew how little effort it would take to replace the faulty paper-thin component in the factory with a decent washer, but the VR was also just too sandy for me. When I got a VR3235 after the update they did with the 2 levers on the inside ( I got first hands on those movements mid 2022 I guess), I was surprised, it wound as smoothly as butter. So I switched to VR as my favorite movement.
Now on this model I got here, with the case serial Q66T4536 a silent update was made to the new VS3235, the winding issue is no longer present and the winding feeling is always perfect. For me this is the best upgrade from VSF compared to 2 years ago.

CG / Lugs / Crown
The crown guards are still a bit longer and the angle is a little different than Gen. The lugs are better than before and like Gen in my opinion.
Unfortunately, VSF still hasn't managed to adjust the shape of the crown. On the case side, the Gen crown is provided with an edge which creates a greater distance to the crown than on the replica. (Top Image is Gen, Bot image is Rep)



Bracelet / Clasp / Glidelock
There was no update here - still "perfect" and like the gen in functionality. It sounds a bit, so I will make ultrasonic clean and oil bath as I always do.
In terms of visual aspects, the crown/security clasp hole is not same size as you can see easy here (Gen left)



Bezel
For me, the inlay cannot be distinguished from the real one, the clicking is a little more metallic and is easier / with less force. Typical VSF click

Rehaut
Massive upgrade here too: The polishing quality borders on CLEAN, which has become known for the beautiful polished rehaut surfaces. Much better than 2 years ago

Crystal:
99.5% of Gen, here too in my opinion an upgrade to the already super good glass.

SEL
Not quite the full score here if you look with a magnifying glass, but that's how replicas are - not entirely consistent. And most SELs are worse than I would Glen.



Dial
Greetings to the magnifying glass wearers and nitpickers among you who are crying because of the pressure. VSF did a great job. 10/10


End result:

I can say that this is the best OOTB replica of this reference with the greatest strengths: the movement, the glass, the rehaut.
I hope I was able to give all of them a few sweet minutes with the review.

Greetings from Switzerland

Did they fix the crystal distortion on an angle?

 

[Watchguy369]

Did they fix the crystal distortion on an angle?

Sadly no.

Awesome review.

Do you find the gen stainless bracelet have more structure than the VSF? Not sure exactly how to describe it, but ignoring the weight differences, do the connections between links on the VSF or bracelet overall seem less rigid?

Recently picked up a VSF 126610 and was blown away by the overall quality. Don't have a stainless gen to compare it to, but qualitatively the bracelet felt significantly less structured than a 126619LB and 116713LN. Apples to oranges comparison on my end just curious if you had any other bracelet observations.

After ultrasonic and oiling, what I do with all Stainless steel bracelets, no difference here at all.
Even on gen rolexes i had differences, from stiff to glideing.
the brushing may be slightly off but only under a microscope in my opinion, really happy with the bracelet. The clasp is only point to make, but Not bothering me, just different and instant tell when you have lot of gens in your hands. Those are the things why you never could sell a VS to a grey market dealer or so

 

[Buythedip]

Super useful - thank you

 

[techlogik]

First, thanks for the comparison, I was just about to place an order for a Clean and VSF 126610LN and give a go at a minor franken project.

This is very helpful and appreciate the latest batch/inventory that is coming out of the factory.

 

[Princewilliam]

Sadly no.



After ultrasonic and oiling, what I do with all Stainless steel bracelets, no difference here at all.
Even on gen rolexes i had differences, from stiff to glideing.
the brushing may be slightly off but only under a microscope in my opinion, really happy with the bracelet. The clasp is only point to make, but Not bothering me, just different and instant tell when you have lot of gens in your hands. Those are the things why you never could sell a VS to a grey market dealer or so

What oil do you apply to the bracelet? I’ve recently heard of someone using a dry wax bike chain oil with good results, but it’s the first I’ve heard of it

 

[diamonds]

What oil do you apply to the bracelet? I’ve recently heard of someone using a dry wax bike chain oil with good results, but it’s the first I’ve heard of it

Baby oil.
The bike chain oil would require a serious cleaning afterwards, because it's harsh and toxic to skin.

Olive oil also works well, but it'll smell like a salad.
Stick with baby oil bath. It'll still need a time for the excess oil to dry out, but it's non toxic and will give your bracelet that brand new "fresh" smell.

 

[Silkyv9l]

Baby oil.
The bike chain oil would require a serious cleaning afterwards, because it's harsh and toxic to skin.

Olive oil also works well, but it'll smell like a salad.
Stick with baby oil bath. It'll still need a time for the excess oil to dry out, but it's non toxic and will give your bracelet that brand new "fresh" smell.

Doesn’t this attract a bunch of dust and debris unless you apply it very conservatively?

 

[john442]

Thanks for your great review, nice work!!

 

[Watchguy369]

Doesn’t this attract a bunch of dust and debris unless you apply it very conservatively?

Baby oil.
The bike chain oil would require a serious cleaning afterwards, because it's harsh and toxic to skin.

Olive oil also works well, but it'll smell like a salad.
Stick with baby oil bath. It'll still need a time for the excess oil to dry out, but it's non toxic and will give your bracelet that brand new "fresh" smell.

What oil do you apply to the bracelet? I’ve recently heard of someone using a dry wax bike chain oil with good results, but it’s the first I’ve heard of it

Its like religion: "which religion is the correct one?"

I am no watchmaker. all I know is that after ultrasonic and using cheapest food oil its smooth as hell.
i mean, the oil is away after soaping and cleaning, and since its no stinky olive oil, for me its ok. others take baby oil.

 

[Silkyv9l]

Its like religion: "which religion is the correct one?"

I am no watchmaker. all I know is that after ultrasonic and using cheapest food oil its smooth as hell.
i mean, the oil is away after soaping and cleaning, and since its no stinky olive oil, for me its ok. others take baby oil.

Fair enough. If it works, it works.

 

[diamonds]

Doesn’t this attract a bunch of dust and debris unless you apply it very conservatively?

The oil bath makes a big difference. It makes the bracelet feel smoother and also reduces rattling sounds. It may be a placebo, but it seems to give the bracelet a more solid feel. Give it a thorough cleaning before and after the oil bath.